I Am, I Am, I Am Audiobook By Maggie O'Farrell cover art

I Am, I Am, I Am

Seventeen Brushes with Death

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I Am, I Am, I Am

By: Maggie O'Farrell
Narrated by: Daisy Donovan
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An extraordinary memoir - told entirely in near-death experiences - from one of Britain's best-selling novelists, for fans of Wild, When Breath Becomes Air, and The Year of Magical Thinking.

We are never closer to life than when we brush up against the possibility of death.

I Am, I Am, I Am is Maggie O'Farrell's astonishing memoir of the near-death experiences that have punctuated and defined her life. The childhood illness that left her bedridden for a year, which she was not expected to survive. A teenage yearning to escape that nearly ended in disaster. An encounter with a disturbed man on a remote path. And, most terrifying of all, an ongoing, daily struggle to protect her daughter - for whom this book was written - from a condition that leaves her unimaginably vulnerable to life's myriad dangers.

Seventeen discrete encounters with Maggie at different ages, in different locations, reveal a whole life in a series of tense, visceral snapshots. In taut prose that vibrates with electricity and restrained emotion, O'Farrell captures the perils running just beneath the surface and illuminates the preciousness, beauty, and mysteries of life itself.

©2018 Maggie O'Farrell (P)2018 Random House Audio Art & Literature Authors Memoir Essentials Women Celebrity Heartfelt Inspiring Funny Witty

Critic reviews

"How appropriate that this audiobook memoir, an unlikely examination of life through brushes with death, is narrated by the talented Daisy Donovan. Her tone of voice exudes a veneer of vulnerability overlaying a steely strength, and her delivery is ideal for this collection of interconnected remembrances.... Donovan's pacing and appealing accent make the vignettes come alive for the listener." (AudioFile)

Featured Article: The top 100 memoirs of all time


All genres considered, the memoir is among the most difficult and complex for a writer to pull off. After all, giving voice to your own lived experience and recounting deeply painful or uncomfortable memories in a way that still engages and entertains is a remarkable feat. These autobiographies, often narrated by the authors themselves, shine with raw, unfiltered emotion sure to resonate with any listener. But don't just take our word for it—queue up any one of these listens, and you'll hear exactly what we mean.

Featured Article The top 100 memoirs of all time
Beautiful Writing • Compelling Storytelling • Excellent Narration • Gifted Storyteller • Unique Autobiography
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Daisy Donovan does a splendid job of narrating this tragic yet inspiring story. I am moved by the strength and tenacity of Maggie O’Farrell and great full that she has chosen to share her struggles and triumphs with the world.

Heartwarming, heart-wrenching and captivating.

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Brilliant and captivating narrative. Narrator did an exceptional job bringing the story to life. I would highly recommend.

Loved it

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What a journey. it took several chapters for me to truly understand the meaning behind the "seventeen", but as the book progressed, I was drawn in more and more. I chose this book on an absolute whim, and I am so grateful I did. Some beautiful descriptors which masterfully laid out the scene - I love books I can "see". This is one.

I am speechless.

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A personal beautifully written work. I wish there were more like this It is unlike any other memoir without being tricky. I will read it again in a few years. The girl can write!

Gorgeous story

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This book comes at it from all directions without going down the tunnel of light. Beautifully crafted, some may think it trite, but it feels quite real. Good quick read.

Near death experiences are real

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Maggie O’Farrell is such a talented and beautiful story teller. She truly spoke to me as a person, as a mother and as a companion on the journey of life.

Amazing !

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It is a wonder that Maggie O'Farrell is alive and able to write such beautiful books. I held my breath as she described some of her near-death experiences. She is an amazing woman.

Amazing Woman

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First, la-la-LOVED the narrator. So she had me engaged right off the bat. I downloaded this book while taking a car trip and enjoyed the entire ride. I love the way she writes and tell her story. She is so real and packs a lot of emotion in a simple narrative while being raw and to the point.

Couldn’t stop listening!

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engaged from start to finish. as always with O'farrell, exquisite writing! Narration was spot on.

excellent!

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This is a fugue-like commentary, well written and bravely autobiographical. I admire O’Farrell as a writer and a trauma survivor. I also felt that her neurological and cognitive story could be mine. I have not faced even a faction of her challenges however. I also haven’t lived a life as rich with adventure!

I hope O’Farrell experiences much beauty and wonder in the years to come!

A Harrowing Life Lived With Courage

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